In recent years, Virginia has made commendable progress in its approach to marijuana policy. The landmark legislation of 2021, which legalized adult use, was a bold step forward. Yet, despite this progress, a glaring issue has emerged, particularly in Southwest Virginia: the unchecked proliferation of illegal and unregulated marijuana stores. This issue underscores a critical need for action that has, regrettably, not been sufficiently addressed by Governor Youngkin.
Studies show that Virginia currently has a multi-billion dollar unregulated cannabis market. This means unlicensed drug dealers are selling billions of dollars worth of untested and untaxed products — frequently to kids. My bill, which passed both chambers in a bipartisan manner, this past Session sought to license every seller, test every product and tax every sale of cannabis in the Commonwealth and do so in a way that promoted small Virginia businesses, not multi-state corporations.
Southwest Virginia has been particularly hard hit by the surge in illegal dispensaries. From Radford to Abingdon, local reporters have extensively covered the proliferation of these illegal marijuana sales. These unregulated operations not only flout the law but also pose serious risks to consumer safety. Without proper oversight, these stores sell products that are not subject to quality control, potentially exposing consumers to dangerous substances. The proliferation of these illegal outlets not only undermines the spirit of legalization but also highlights a significant gap in our current regulatory framework.
It is essential to recognize that a regulated marijuana retail market is a necessity for public safety. A well-regulated market would ensure that products are tested for safety, accurately labeled, sold in a controlled environment and kept out of the hands of kids. This is crucial for protecting our citizens from the potential health hazards associated with unregulated marijuana products. Governor Youngkin, a Republican who seemingly values law and order, vetoed a bill that created criminal penalties for selling cannabis to minors, capped the amount of THC that can be sold to customers, and established testing and security standards for cannabis products.
Furthermore, a legal retail market would offer substantial economic benefits. Revenue generated from the legal sale of marijuana could be directed toward critical public services such as education, infrastructure and health care. This revenue could also foster job creation and stimulate local economies — something Southwest and Southside Virginia would stand to benefit tremendously from.
Governor Youngkin’s administration has, unfortunately, fallen short in addressing the challenge posed by these illegal dispensaries. While the Governor has focused on various other issues, the proliferation of unregulated marijuana stores has been met with insufficient action. This inaction has allowed illegal operators to thrive, exploiting regulatory gaps and compromising both public safety and potential economic benefits.
Small businesses throughout Southwest Virginia have long been the backbone of our local economies. They are crucial in creating jobs and reflecting the diverse fabric of their communities. As we develop the regulatory structure for marijuana sales, it is essential that we ensure these businesses are not left behind but rather empowered to participate fully in this new industry. As Senator, I’ve consistently fought for a regulatory structure for the sale of marijuana that is inclusive of Virginia’s small and minority businesses and creates a level playing field for all. We must do this right.
It is time for decisive leadership. We must advocate for comprehensive legislation that establishes a clear and effective regulatory framework for a marijuana retail market. This should include stringent licensing requirements, robust enforcement mechanisms, and provisions that ensure product safety and transparency. By doing so, we can eliminate the appeal of illegal dispensaries and provide a legal, safe alternative for consumers.
In conclusion, the unchecked expansion of illegal marijuana stores in Southwest Virginia is a significant issue that demands immediate attention. Every study has proven that you cannot fix this problem through enforcement. You can only fix the problem by eliminating demand through the creation of a regulated retail market. The lack of action from Governor Youngkin’s administration has allowed this problem to fester, putting public safety at risk and missing out on economic opportunities. It is time for Virginia to embrace a regulated marijuana retail market that not only addresses these challenges but also aligns with our commitment to responsible and equitable governance. By taking this crucial step, we can safeguard our communities, strengthen our economy and honor the principles of our legalization efforts.
H/T: cardinalnews.org
You can view the whole article at this link Yes, we should legalize retail sales of cannabis
